How the Truth Frees Us
But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot.”
These are the words of the prophet Jeremiah who was called by God to speak the truth to the people of Judah. The truth was that if Judah did not repent and turn away from its false gods, the Babylonians would eventually overrun the Israelites and carry them off into captivity. It was not a popular message and it incited some death threats against Jeremiah and also landed him in a dungeon and a cistern. However, not speaking the truth placed Jeremiah in a personal prison. As he stated, God’s word was like a fire shut up in his bones that he could not hold in.
Do you speak the truth about your faith to family and friends? Do co-workers know that you are a Christian? Are you truthful about who you really are or do people just see the mask you wear every day? I know a beautiful woman who found healing when she finally shared her addiction struggles with her small group Bible study. The transformation has been amazing simply by her sharing the truth with her sisters in Christ. She is no longer fighting the battle alone.
While Jeremiah was not the most popular kid in the lunchroom, he could sleep at night knowing he did what God asked him to do. Eventually, when everything happened as Jeremiah prophesied and the Israelites were being led out of Judah in shackles, Jeremiah was among those in chains. However, the Commander of King Nebuchadnezzar’s imperial guard located the prophet and released him from his bondage and told him he could go wherever he wanted. God had promised Jeremiah early on that he would rescue him and he was keeping that promise. Jeremiah was free.
How would telling the truth free you from the bondage in your life? In John 8:32, Jesus says If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Living an obedient life in Christ is freeing. Then there is no guilt hanging over you. As Jeremiah found, it’s not always easy to speak the truth but when we do, we are pleasing God, not people.
In my own life, I have found that I may not be the first one invited to parties, but I am the first one people go to when they are in trouble and need prayer. Living in the truth has freed me from people pleasing and has given me the daily peace I crave. What about you? Are you free or are you still fighting against the truth in your life?